Crime spree teen awaits sentence

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy, who damaged a courthouse cell by burning his name into a wall during a mini-crime spree, has been remanded on bail pending sentence.

The teenager, who is in care, pleaded guilty to a litany of criminal damage and theft offences when he appeared at the Dublin Children's Court today.

Judge John O'Connor heard all the offences happened in Dublin. The boy stole aftershave worth €115 from Boots on Grafton St on November 11 last. Earlier that day he stole a sandwich and a drink from another shop.

On August 16th last, he broke into an underground car park at Shelbourne Buildings in Dublin 4 to steal a €800 bike.

The court heard that on November 11 while in custody in the cells at the juvenile court he burned his name onto the wall which was repaired at a cost of €800.

He was caught trespassing at Grand Canal Wharf on April 29 last.

The court heard that he broke into four cars at the South Circular Road on October 25th last

Judge O'Connor heard that the boy who was accompanied to court by care staff had no prior criminal convictions.

The teen's behaviour in care had been challenging at first and he had been under the influence of others at the time.

However a welfare report furnished to the judge showed there had been a considerable improvement despite reports that the teenager had recently gone missing from care.

The teenager was warned he must obey his bail conditions as the case was adjourned until a date in March when a pre-sentence probation report will be furnished to the court.

He also has other charges listed on the the same date but has not yet entered a plea to them.